Tag Archives: apple homekit

At a Wednesday morning developer session at this year’s WWDC, Apple said that HomeKit is now open to any Apple developer to tinker around with. Developers no longer have to get an MFi license to start controlling prototypes of smart home gadgets. They can even develop prototypes on top of popular developer boards like Raspberry Pi and Arduino. But once these developers want to bring a product out commercially, they still have to go through MFi certification. Nevertheless, this should make it easier for developers to start building HomeKit products.

Caitlin McGarry for MacWorld: The high-end Wynn Las Vegas resort chose Alexa last December, adding Amazon Echo devices in its suites. Now Marriott International is trying to decide between Amazon and Apple, according to a Bloomberg report. The JW Marriott in San Antonio, Texas has been testing Amazon Alexa-integrated devices since October as an operator of sorts—the conduit to room service and housekeeping. Alexa can also control the lighting in a handful of the Marriott’s rooms, though that isn’t her primary role.

…PureGear, a company well known for its wide range of iPhone cases and screen protectors, which has now released its first electronic accessory in the form of the PureSwitch Wireless Smart Plug ($40), a HomeKit-enabled power outlet that can be used to control any appliance that plugs into a standard outlet.

LEDVANCE continues to advance light by announcing the HomeKit-enabled SYLVANIA Smart Multicolor A19 bulb that can be easily controlled via Siri and Apple’s Home app without a separate hub. Installation is easy. All you need to do is screw in the Bluetooth-enabled bulb in your favorite lamp, sync it with the Home app, and start controlling your lights. The Home app allows users to control all HomeKit accessories in one place, including lights, temperature, locks, garage doors, scenes and more.